🔍 Key Concepts

• Rule 18 – Responsibilities Between Vessels (which vessels must keep clear of which) • The meaning of “shall not impede the safe passage” in the Navigation Rules • How traffic separation schemes (Rule 10) treat small and sailing vessels versus large power-driven vessels

💭 Think About

• First, recall the normal priority order of vessels in Rule 18. Where does a sailing vessel usually stand in that hierarchy, and which vessels is it required not to impede? • Look for the exact phrase “shall not impede the safe passage” in the Rules. Which specific type of vessel is mentioned in connection with a sailing vessel and this phrase? • Among the answer choices, which one directly matches a vessel type or situation that is explicitly named in the Rules as something a sailing vessel must not impede, especially in or near a traffic lane?

✅ Before You Answer

• Verify in Rule 18 which vessels must keep out of the way of which, and where the words “shall not impede the safe passage” appear. • Check Rule 10 (Traffic Separation Schemes) for any special instructions about small or sailing vessels versus large power-driven vessels following a lane. • Confirm whether “pilot vessel” and “law enforcement vessel” are listed in the Rules as categories that a sailing vessel is specifically told shall not impede, or whether only one of the listed choices is actually named.